A health insurance plan. Outside Open Enrollment, you can enroll only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You qualify if you have a baby, get married, lose job-based coverage, or have certain other life changes. See all changes that qualify for SEPs.

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). You can apply for these free or low-cost programs any time of year. If you qualify, you can enroll immediately.

Fill out a Marketplace application any time of year. If it looks like you qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), we’ll send your information to your state agency. They’ll contact you.